How To Throw A Mardi Gras Party—Tips From Your Denver Caterers

Mardi Gras is just weeks away (this year the biggest day of the celebration, Fat Tuesday, will be on Tuesday, February 13.). If you are unable to make it down to New Orleans for the “greatest free show on Earth”, we here at Pour la France Catering are here to offer you some tips for throwing the perfect Mardi Gras party.

As the proud owners of one of the best catering companies in Denver, the only thing we love more than a good celebration is adding to the celebration with superb catering. Check out our catering menu, learn about us, and contact us today!

What Is Mardi Gras?

Also called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras refers to the Carnival celebrations that begin after the Christian Feast of the Epiphany and culminate the day before Ash Wednesday. The name Mardi Gras is French and means “Fat Tuesday”—a name that reflects all of the heavy and rich eating that occurs before the fasting of the Lenten season begins. It is a holiday that is celebrated all over the world, with each city offering a unique take on the celebration. Some cities with the most well-known festivities include New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, Barranquilla, and many more!

Tips for Throwing a Successful Mardi Gras Party

Mardi Gras Decor

Mardi gras is a vibrant celebration. Although you will likely see all the colors of the rainbow at a party, purple, green, and gold are the traditional colors of the holiday. When creating the atmosphere for your party, get the essentials: beads, doubloons—the little aluminum coin-like objects that often bear the symbol of the float krewes—and gold, purple, and green lights. Beads are not only a necessary part of a costume, but they are also great decorations that can be hung from the ceiling, furniture, windows, and everywhere and anywhere!

Mardi Gras Costumes

One of the great things about the Mardi Gras tradition is costumes. It’s a key part of the celebration, and as a rule, the wilder the costume, the better. Encourage your guests to come to the party in Mardi Gras garb. For those who are not big on dressing up and wearing costumes, bedeck them in something simple like a feather boa, masquerade mask, crazy wig, or at the very least, some beads.

Mardi Gras Music

New Orleans is a music city. The presence of music is so strong that you don’t even have to seek it out. By simply being in the city, you’ll be exposed to the musical spirit of the Big Easy. This, however, won’t be the case if you are throwing a Mardi Gras party, say in Denver. To help create the feel, soundtrack your party with some traditional New Orleans music, like zydeco, New Orleans brass and jazz, swing, and other Big Easy favorites. To help you get started on your party playlist, check out some of these Mardi Gras staples: “Carnival Time” by Al Johnson and “When the Saints Go Marching in” by Louis Armstrong.

Mardi Gras Food

Like most big holidays, food is crucial to Mardi Gras, especially if you want to celebrate Mardi Gras—New Orleans style. Right along with music, food is a pillar of New Orleans culture. Therefore, If you really want to capture the true spirit of the festival and the spirit of New Orleans culture, you need to serve up delicious, authentic Cajun food. Dishes like jambalaya, beans, shrimp po-boys, hurricanes, and King Cake raised donuts are perfect items to add to a Fat Tuesday menu!

Not sure you have the time or ability to create some sensational New Orleans grub? Contact your go-to Denver caters! Check out our Fat Tuesday special!

Mardi Gras is a holiday rich with tradition, culture, music, food, and fun. If you want to curate the vibe of this truly unique celebration, follow these tips. And remember, if you really want to celebrate Fat Tuesday, you have to serve up some truly delicious food. As Denver caterers with a love for Cajun food, we would be honored to partner with you and make your Mardi Gras party a success. Check out our Bourbon Street buffet, our full catering menu, and contact us today with any questions!